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First Presbyterian Church NON-PROFIT ORG.
300 South Main Street, P. O. Box 1038 US POSTAGE
Greensburg, Pennsylvania 15601-5038 PAID
Phone: 724.832.0150 fax: 724.832.0152 GREENSBURG, PA
Email: [email protected] PERMIT NO. 428
NEW!!! Website: www.firstpresbyteriangreensburg.com
SUNDAY MORNING SCHEDULE Sunday School at 9:00 a.m.
Worship 10:00 a.m.
Nursery Care provided
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
DEADLINE FOR JANUARY ISSUE: MONDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2018
Email submissions to [email protected] or mail to church office.
The Coulter Society asks that you please consider remembering our church in your will!
CHURCH STAFF
Rev. Dr. Martin R. Ankrum, Pastor / Head of Staff
Rev. Nicole C. Atkinson, Associate Pastor for Youth and Educational Ministries
Dr. John B. Salveson, Minister of Music / Organist
Jill Linsz, Children’s Music Assistant
Lu Ann Peters, Financial Secretary
Kimberly A. Stoner, Executive Secretary
Keith L. Huey, Sexton
Shannon M. Reid, FPC Preschool Supervisor
Wendy H. Matchett, FPC Preschool Teacher
Wendy McCann, FPC Preschool Teacher
Michelle Stefl Harbaugh, Assistant to the Minister of Music
Ron Vorel, Housekeeper
Richard P. Fabery, Assistant Sexton
Matthew B. Cohen, Assistant Sexton
Julia Schaming, Arianne Winkleblech, Nursery Care
Mr. Edgar B. Highberger, Minister of Music, Emeritus
December 2018
FIRST NEWS: A MONTHLY NEWSLETTER
MY FAVORITE CHRISTMAS SERMON
Christmas is a marvelous time of the year. That goes without saying, I suppose. But it can be a
difficult time to write a sermon, for how does one really adequately proclaim the truth of this
wondrous story of God coming to us? That’s why I always re-read my favorite Christmas
sermon to start the sermon-writing juices flowing. Below are two paragraphs from my favorite
Christmas sermon, delivered by the great Swiss theologian, Karl Barth to prisoners in the jail in
Basel, Switzerland:
“This, then, is the Christmas story. You see, we cannot possibly hear this story and not look
away from ourselves, from our own life with its cares and burdens. There he is, our great God
and Saviour, and here we are, human beings, and now it is true that he is for me, [he] is for us.
Impossible to hear his story without hearing our own. It is the great transformation that has been
worked in us once and for all, the great joy it has released in us, and the great calling we have
received to set out on the way he shows us.”
“What shall we do now? Shall we continue in our old ways, in absentmindedness, in disbelief,
perhaps in some lofty Christian sentiments? Or shall we awake and rise, set out on our journey
and turn about? The angel of the Lord does not compel anybody. Even less can I compel! A
forced listening to the Christmas story, a forced participation in the story is of no avail. We must
willingly listen, [We must] willingly participate.”
This then is our willing participation in the wondrous story … to turn in gratitude to the
One who grants this world peace and offer our most humble thanks. Further to live our lives as
expressions of that one life that enlightens all human life and all creation … that light which is
coming into the world even now … This is what is truly marvelous: God for us; God with us.
Merry Christmas,
-Martin
OUR CHURCH FAMILY NEWS
PRAYER LIST: Linda Anderson, Rona Beluschok, Raeann Berger, Dorcas
Brown, Lisa Bulger, Carolyn Carr, Edna Mary Cox, Michelle King Cushey,
George DeCaro, Chris Dieck, Anna DiPalato, Gregory Dolan, Janie
Dowdy, Joanne Doyle, Richard Enterline, Elizabeth Felice, Charles Hart,
Ruth Hershey, Edgar Highberger, Grace Howard, George Hritz, Hubie,
Jody, Juniper, Anna Kostrick, Ray and Reta Kuyat, Jake Manallo, George
Maser, Dorothy Matusiewicz, Beverly Ross McClung, Ed Murphy,
Barbara Nash, Alex Noel, Bill Noel, Denise Ohr, Nancy Pallitta, Kathleen
& Norbert Piekut, John Pollins IV, Gary Pricer, Marcia Remaley, Ron Russell, Lucas Sanders,
Nico Salvio, Rich Schall, Sean, Liz Sember, Pat Sheridan, Dave Stucker, Janet Sutherland,
Linda Turin, Lynda Turin, Elsie Vanetta
BIRTHDAYS: Each month we observe the VIP and fourscore or more birthdays: If you are 80 or
older, and would like to be listed in the monthly newsletter, please contact the church.
December birthdays are: Jack Bagley, 708 Farview Dr., Apt. 2, Gbg (11)
Will Brown, 110 Edenboro Drive, Gbg (15)
Carolyn Pike, 1002 Valley Drive, Gbg (28)
CONTRIBUTION ENVELOPES – If you don’t receive contribution envelopes and would like a set
or if you currently receive envelopes for yourself or a family member and do not wish to receive
them please let me know. Lu Ann Peters, Financial Secretary.
CHURCH OFFERING ENVELOPES AVAILABLE!! Please look for your church envelopes in the
Assembly Room. We encourage members to please pick them up to help the church save on postage
expense. They can be found on the tables near the Laird Memorial Library! DON’T MISS YOUR
BOXED SET!!!
MEMORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS since October 22, 2018 – Jeanne and Clifton Suehr, William F. and
Patricia W. Benton, Jennifer M. and Joseph M. Kettering
Stewardship Report
Total Disbursements through 10/31/18 $547,015.19
Total Receipts through 10/31/18 $444,813.08
Total Income over/under Expense ($102,202.11)
If you would rather receive an electronic version of the First News, please let us
know at [email protected] and we’ll add you to our email list and
remove you from the paper copy list. Then you will receive the First News through
your computer rather than the mail box, but you’ll have to let us know!! A copy of
the latest First News can also be found at our website:
www.firstpresbyteriangreensburg.com
VIPS ARE MEMBERS of our congregation who are unable to attend church services on a short-
term or long-term basis. The Board of Deacons, along with the pastors, provide these members
with visits, phone calls, cards and reminders of their connection to our congregation, including
the sacrament of communion, as requested. Please contact the church office (724-832-0150) for
more information and/or to request to be added to our list.
A NEW ARRIVAL in the family is amazing, exciting and can be overwhelming. The Deacons are
offering a meal for the family on a busy day with appointments, etc. The new mother, or a
family member, can contact Darlene Nagrosky (724-837-4157), Gretchen Lowry (724-838-9726)
or the church office. We do not have a formal network to know of births at the regional
hospitals; however, the church office will forward information as received. Anyone wishing to
provide a meal may also contact Darlene or Gretchen. Thank you for your help with this
ministry.
THE PASTORAL CARE COMMITTEE of the Board of Deacons is asking church members with
family or friends who are hospitalized, have health conditions that have changed, and/or have
other concerns that you wish the church to know about, to please inform Kim Stoner at the
church office at 724-832-0150 and your concern(s) will be directed to the proper person(s).
HAVE YOU CONSIDERED SPONSORING A COFFEE HOUR? Provide your own cookies, muffins
or pastries or underwrite the refreshments for $35. Use the sign-up sheet on the Dining Room
bulletin board. Your contributions and participation are greatly appreciated.
SECOND SUNDAY SUPPER …. A special thanks to all the Deacons who made the November
Second Sunday Supper such a resounding hit!! A Thanksgiving Day style meal was served to
around 60 folks. If you wish to be of help with us, join us on the second Sunday of each month
at around 2 p.m. and we would be glad to put you to work!!
BEAR-Y CHRISTMAS –Bears will be available Sundays, November 25 and December 2. This
year we will be helping Early Head Start families. Please come to coffee hour to choose your
bear. You will need to bring your bear to the table to receive pertinent information to help you
make your gift selection. Please make sure you sign the bear out so we know who has what
child. This year we have 57 children to provide for. The amount you spend is entirely up to
you. Gifts must be returned, unwrapped, and in a gift bag no later than Sunday, December 9.
Please staple your card onto your gift bag when returning your gift and place under the
Christmas tree. Thank you for your continuous support in making a difference. Contact Deane
Markle with any questions.
Notes from the Loft
“Creator of the stars of night, your people’s everlasting light,
O Christ, redeemer of us all, we pray you, hear us when we call.”
9th
century hymn
Growing up in North Dakota, one notices stars. There could be many
reasons for that. There wasn’t much light pollution, so the stars were
easy to see. But it’s further north than here, and winter nights are very
long. As the days shortened in the northern hemisphere, seeing the
first stars a little after four wasn’t unusual, and seeing them at eight in
the morning wasn’t either. December and January were dark.
So we learned to take comfort in the stars. The darkness that could at
time feel like a tomb was penetrated by those specks of light, reminding us that day would come
again. The night sky held little miracles, if one watched. Stars that seem to twinkle, and
northern lights that danced in the midnight sky.
For me, that night sky always held out promise. The promise of one who would come in ways I
didn’t expect. This was not one who came smiting my enemies, but came as a child, conceived
by a not yet married teenager, from a remote village. Sure, the family had great connections,
they could trace themselves to the great King David – who himself was only the youngest
shepherd boy.
The stars became, for me, a symbol of the one who came, who still comes. The One who
promises to be always with us. The One who promises to raise us to new life, the One who
welcomes children, and strangers, and (sometimes with a bit of coaxing) “those people.” This
one, who came as a Child was Jesus. Though born of nothing, this Jesus is the Christ, the Son of
God, and a star would reveal him to the nations – but that’s later.
Now, we wait, and look at the stars, remembering that Christ comes, to and for each of us.
May your wait be holy, and your Christmas celebration joyous.
“At your great name, O Jesus, now all knees must bend, all hearts must bow: all things on earth
with one accord, like those in heaven shall call you Lord.”
John Salveson, Minister of Music and Organist
WANT TO IMPACT THE LIVES OF OUR KIDS? How about helping them grow in faith!? In this
format, a Bible story is taught for 4 weeks using a variety of methods (art, drama, cooking,
music, games, science, & video.) Our kids love it, teachers enjoy the flexibility, and most
importantly, our children are growing in their faith! Want to help out this year? Talk to Niki!
OUR CHILDREN ARE HAVING A GREAT TIME GROWING IN FAITH! For December, we’ll finish
our “Advent & Christmas” rotation, then have some Christmas fun! There will be no Sunday
School on the last two Sundays of December. See you in January for “Daniel & the Lions!” In
this format, a Bible story is taught for 4 weeks using a variety of methods (art, drama, cooking,
music, games, etc.) Want to help our kids grow in faith? Talk to Niki to learn more!
K-2nd
Grade 3rd
-5th
Grade
Dec. 2nd
Games (Fletcher
Room)
Cooking (Kitchen)
Dec. 9th
Gathering Storytelling Room (3rd
Floor, Room #1)
Dec. 16th
Gathering Storytelling Room (3rd
Floor, Room #1)
Dec. 23rd
No Sunday School
Dec. 30th
No Sunday School
AUGUSTINE ON THE CHRISTIAN LIFE - SUNDAY
MORNINGS AT 9 A.M. On the Christian Life is a
well-attended Sunday morning adult education
class that seeks to provide a greater understanding
of the Christian faith through examination of the
life and thought of a great theologian. Our group
has studied Dietrich Bonhoeffer, John Calvin,
Jonathan Edwards and Martin Luther in the past.
This year, we will be reading about and discussing
the faith of one of the earliest theologians,
Augustine of Hippo. Dr. Ankrum leads this class.
THRU THE BIBLE … Are you interested in learning the whole story of the Bible? Have you ever
read the Bible in its entirety or at least wanted to? Then this adult study group is for you!! We
will gather in the Assembly Room for an hour a month to go through the Bible from Genesis to
Revelation! We will not meet in December but will resume on Monday, January 28, 2019 at
7 p.m. to discuss the Book of Numbers.
LAST TUESDAY BOOK CLUB is always looking for readers of fiction willing to discuss what they
find in the novel assigned for the month! We are a very friendly group who enjoy getting
together to talk about the meaning and significance of good literature and Christian faith. Dr.
Ankrum usually leads our discussion. We will not meet in December but will resume on
Tuesday, January 29, 2019 at 7 p.m. when we will discuss All Quiet on the Western Front by
Erich Maria Remarque.
THE MEN’S BREAKFAST & BIBLE STUDY meets at Eat’n Park on Rt. 30 E. each Wednesday
morning at 7:45 a.m. for a time of fellowship, study and, of course, breakfast. We are now
studying the Gospel of Luke under the leadership of Dr. Ankrum.
THE FAITH & FAMILY GROUP meets on the third floor of the CE Wing at 9 a.m. every Sunday
during the academic year (Sept. – May) to discuss topics related to our faith and family
relationships. The group is composed of young couples, singles and any in the church who are
concerned about issues related to faith and family. Join us!
STEPHEN MINISTRIES AT FPC: Is there someone you know or you yourself who could use a
little encouragement? Our Stephen Ministers have been trained to be a good listening ear and
caring heart. If you would like to suggest someone to the care of our Stephen Ministry, please
see either Sandra Beauregard or Rev. Atkinson.
Congregational Activities from the
Membership & Evangelism Committee
CORNERSTONE GATHERING: ALL ARE INVITED!
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 8, 6:00 P.M. Cornerstone is a gathering of folks from FPC on a monthly
basis for dinner and conversation. December’s dinner will
be at Noviello’s Sunset Café, 302 S. Urania Avenue,
Greensburg. We are anticipating a large group so please
sign-up as soon as you can. Reservations for the restaurant
will fill up quickly due to Christmas parties. Sign up
during coffee hours or call Kim at the church before
December 5. See you there!!!
THE LUNCH BUNCH - TUESDAY, DECEMBER 11– 11:30 A.M.
APPLEBEE’S NEXT TO THE WESTMORELAND MALL In December, we’ll be meeting in
the dining room. Afterwards, you may see the movie of your choice. Please sign up during
coffee hour or call the church office!
Redstone Highlands
Caroling Party
Sunday, December 16 - 6:00 p.m. Calling all children, parents, families, singles, members and
friends of First Presbyterian Church! Come on out Sunday,
December 16 to Redstone Highlands and spread a little
Christmas cheer! We’ll be gathering at 5:45 p.m. to ready
ourselves at the Miller Chapel at Redstone for the caroling party
at 6:00 p.m. This is always a highlight of the Christmas season
for us and for the residents of Redstone!
Christmas Eve @ FPC 2018
Christmas Eve Services – Monday, December 24
Celebrate Christ’s Birth!
5:00 PM – Children’s Service in the Sanctuary Join us for a simple expression of worship and adoration of the arrival of the Christ Child. God’s
children of all ages will delight in this worship experience!
9:00 PM – Communion Service in the Memorial Chapel A service of worship for Christmas Eve in the quiet beauty of our chapel including a brief Christmas
Eve homily and the sacrament of Holy Communion celebrated.
11:00 PM – The 54th Annual Festival of Lessons and Carols
Patterned after the well-known service that originated at Kings College Chapel in Cambridge,
England, this service takes place in the sanctuary.
Please join us for any or all
of our Christmas Eve Services …
and consider bringing a friend with you!
ON THE VERGE OF SOMETHING WONDERFUL!
ADVENT 2018
Sundays in Advent: December 2 – 10:00 a.m. “The Coming Kingdom of Hope”
Communion Service
Dr. Martin Ankrum preaching
December 9 – 10:00 a.m. “An Uplifted Head”
Dr. Martin Ankrum preaching
December 16 - 10:00 a.m. “He Shall Be Our Peace”
Dr. Martin Ankrum preaching
December 23 – 10:00 a.m. “Uexpected Heroine”
Rev. Nicole Atkinson preaching
Wednesdays in Advent – A Chapel Service – 7:00 p.m. Join us for a brief half-hour worship service for the Wednesdays of Advent in our Memorial
Chapel. Guest musicians will bring their gifts and talents to accent the reading and preaching
from significant stories from the Gospel of John and the prayers of the hopeful people of God.
Take some time for meditation during this busy Advent season on Wednesday, Dec. 5, 12 & 19
at 7 p.m.
“On the Verge of Something Wonderful” - 2018 Advent Devotional Each Advent season, Dr. Ankrum produces a daily devotional to assist the congregation in our
observation of this holy time. The devotional was mailed in mid-November, if you didn’t
receive one, please ask an usher in worship for one or call the church office. This year, the
devotional will focus on reading through the Gospel of John.
Circle Meetings for Presbyterian Women
ABIGAIL CIRCLE MEETS WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12 @ 10:30
A.M. … Our Bible study this year is God’s Promise – I am With
You. We meet in the Refectory (the small dining room just off the
Dining Room). If you have any questions, please see Peg Carpenter,
Circle Chairperson or call the church office.
NEW CIRCLE OPPORTUNITY TO BE HELD AT REDSTONE
HIGHLANDS DECEMBER 13 - The members of the former Lois
Circle are reconvening as a new circle to be held at Redstone
Highlands in Greensburg on the second Thursday of each month at
10 a.m. The circle will meet in the Highlanders Room and will be led by the Rev. Bobbie
Hineline. You do not need to be a resident of Redstone to participate. If you are interested in
this new circle, please call Linda Turin or the church office.
AN OPEN INVITATION to members and friends of First Presbyterian Church to join the Monday
Morning Sewing Circle that meets at 9:00 a.m. Monday mornings in the Fletcher Room. You
don’t have to be an expert tailor to hem the cotton flannelette baby receiving blankets or to sew
the “little dresses for Africa”. If you are interested, please contact Sylvia Carlson at 724-755-
2288 for information. Membership at this church is not a requirement. Anyone is welcome.
A Report on the Capital Campaign Pledges totaling $729,913!
Donations received $570,538!
New Sanctuary Sound System – COMPLETED Sanctuary Roofing – COMPLETED Sanctuary Masonry Work – COMPLETED* Stained Glass Restoration – TWO WINDOWS COMPLETED Interior Restorations – In Progress Sanctuary Air Conditioning – COMPLETED Donation to Pine Springs Camp – Second installment COMPLETED (*The contracted masonry work has been completed, but we have discovered additional work for which we are currently receiving bids
LOOKING FOR US ONLINE? Not only do we have a Facebook Page
(facebook.com/firstpresbyteriangreensburg) but we also have a BRAND NEW website! Check it
out and let us know what you think! You can find it at www.firstpresbyteriangreensburg.com.
ATTENTION!!!! When sending mail to the church office, please be sure to include “P. O. Box
1038” on the address line to assure delivery. Though we have had this P.O. box for many years,
new policies at the post office have enforced the use of this designation.
Saturday, January 26, 2019
9 a.m. - Noon The annual joint meeting of our Session and the Board of Deacons will be held on Saturday, January 26,
2019 from 9 a.m. – 12:00 noon. If you are a member of either board, please mark your calendars and plan
to be present for this all-important gathering to plan for the coming year.
CHRISTMAS CARDS OF OUR CHURCH NOW AVAILABLE!
The Nativity Window at First Presbyterian Church has been
a source of inspiration and beauty since its installation in
April 1942 as a gift given to the memory of Rebecca Coulter
Barclay by Mr. and Mrs. John Barclay, Jr. Fully restored and
returned in the spring of 2018, four scenes from the Nativity
Window have been photographed and lovingly featured in
newly-created Christmas cards for sending to family, friends
and business associates and to proclaim the glad tidings of
the season, bearing witness to the Gospel ministry we share
here at church each week. A 12-pack set of cards featuring
the Annunciation, the Birth, the Visit of the Shepherds and
the Visit of the Wise Men are available for $20.00 following worship services and through the
church office during the week. Pick up a set or two soon as these are in limited production and
make great conversation starters for our church. Glory to the newborn King!
Y-FI Y-Fi is now on the 1
st & 3
rd
Sundays from 12pm-2pm
(unless otherwise noted.)
12/2 – “Paul: The Apostle
Who Literally Preached a
Kid to Death”
Stay Tuned for Our Winter
Topics!
Dec. 2nd
November 18 @ 12p.m. – 1:45p.m. - Y-Fi is
continuing its weird journey in our series “THAT’S IN
THE BIBLE?!” You thought you knew all of the stories in
the Bible from Sunday School? Think again! Come hear
about the time that the Apostle Paul, in his zeal to preach
about the risen Christ, talked for way too long and caused a
kid to die…weird, huh? Thank you Sherman family for
lunch today! (Please note the earlier end time today!)
Dec. 9th
@ 11:30am-4:30pm – Y-Fi Serves! Second
Sunday Supper! We’ll start with ordering lunch and cooking up some food for our guests at
our free community dinner! Make sure you bring a change of clothes to church and be
prepared to SERVE!
Dec. 16th
@ 3:30pm – Y-Fi Plays! Christmas Party! Come to the Atkinson home to play
games and enjoy some time together during the Advent season. Bring a gift under $10 for our
gift swap; families are invited to join us (RSVP to Niki). We’ll then head to Redstone
Highlands down the street for our annual caroling service. Pick up is at Redstone Highlands
at 7:45pm.
SENIOR HIGH YOUTH! Join us on Sunday
mornings at 9am to
learn more about
“Walking the Walk.”
Go on mini-field trips,
share your take on
current events, and
write care cards to those
who need care. Every
Sunday is different.
We’d love to have you walk with us.
Jan. 6th
@ 4pm-7pm…Young Adult Dinner @ the Atkinson Home! Join us for a homecooked
meal and a wonderful time of catching up with each other and looking forward to what’s in store
for the spring! Home for the break? This dinner is a great opportunity to join us!
Our church’s preschool held its
inaugural school year in the fall of 1972.
Since then, we have served hundreds of
families and children as they grow in
their education and what it means to be a
positive part of this world. As a part of
the Greensburg community, our
preschool has had times when it has
needed to adapt to the changing needs of
its community members. Our open enrollment begins on Thursday, January 3, 2019, with some
new class opportunities to better allow us to partner with children and their families.
Here’s a sneak peek just for you!
Pre-K offering Monday-Friday (with option for *FULL DAY!)
Classes for 4 year olds on Monday, Tuesday, & Thursday (Morning AND Afternoon!)
2 Day and 3 Day classes for 3 year olds!
(*Monday, Tuesday, & Thursday A.M. or
Tuesday & Thursday P.M.)
*2 - 1 Day classes for 2 year olds! (Tuesday
or Thursday A.M.)
*Brand New Offering!
Register at
www.fpcgpreschool.weebly.com on
January 3!
PRESCHOOL HAPPENINGS… Check us out at
www.fpcgpreschool.weebly.com The website contains lots of
information about our preschool, including upcoming events, our
education methods, and more! Know someone looking for a
preschool next year? Recommend us to a friend!
THE MUSIC MINISTRY AT FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
2018 - 2019
MUSICAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR CHURCH MEMBERS AND NON-MEMBERS ALIKE
THE CHANCEL CHOIR leads the congregational song and offers anthems and responses in
various styles and genres during the 10 a.m. worship service from September through June. It
also sings for various other services throughout the year, including the Christmas Eve Festival of
Lessons and Carols and the Maundy Thursday Communion Service. Rehearsals are in the Choir
Room on Thursday, from 7:30 to 9 p.m., beginning on September 6.
THE KIRK RINGERS ring the Church’s Schulmerich hand-bells and Malmark
Choirchimes at the 10 A.M. service and for the Christmas Eve Festival of Lessons and Carols.
Rehearsals are on Thursdays from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Hand-bell Room, beginning on
Thursday, September 6. The ability to read music is important.
THE CHILDREN’S MUSIC MINISTRY takes place after the children’s sermon at the 10
A.M. on Sunday mornings in the choir room. The children finish at 11:10 a.m. Children learn
vocal technique and the basic rudiments of music reading, in addition to the playing of
choirchimes and the Orff percussion instruments.
MUSIC FOR YOUTH (Grades 6-12) will take place on scheduled Sundays from 11:30 a.m. to
noon. See the youth calendar or watch the bulletin for dates.
THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN INSTRUMENTAL ENSEMBLES (High School and Adults)
Karen Cole has retired from her position at McKeesport Senior High School, where she was the
director of prize-winning bands for many years. She will continue working with instrumental
ensembles at First Presbyterian. The instrumental music program is for musicians of all ages and
skill levels. Our largest ensemble is an intergenerational concert band for occasional Sunday
worship, which includes all of the traditional band instruments. Small ensembles are flexible,
based on the liturgical calendar and on various abilities.
THE CHORAL SCHOLAR PROGRAM, instituted in 1987, and provided for by private
families and the Church, continues to provide us with gifted soloists and section leaders for the
Chancel Choir program.
THE TRAINING OF CHURCH MUSICIANS has been an essential part of our music
program. Since 1974, over 150 students have had instruction on the church’s pipe organ. The
majority of these students have been from Seton Hill University. Seton Hill students have also
fulfilled their sacred music internship requirements at First Presbyterian Church.
THERE ARE THREE FUNDS THAT HELP SUPPORT THE MUSIC PROGRAM.
THEY ARE AS FOLLOWS:
The Dr. Edgar S. Highberger Memorial Music Fund
Ed’s Fiftieth Music Fund
The Thomas P. Cole III Memorial Music Fund
Your generosity is always so very much appreciated.
KIRK RINGERS AND CHANCEL CHOIR have resumed regular rehearsals. Bell Choir will continue
to meet at 6:30 in the Bell room and Chancel choir at 7:30 in the choir room. If you are
interested in joining (or re-joining) either choir, you are invited to talk to John Salveson and he
will be sure to have a place ready for you!
MAGNIFICAT - AN ADVENT ARTS SERIES
AN ORGAN RECITAL, ART SHOW & LUNCH!!
THREE FRIDAYS IN DECEMBER AT NOON
Join us at noon on the first three Fridays of December as we celebrate the advent season.
Each Friday there will be a half hour organ recital. After, a light lunch will be available for
purchase ($10) and there will be an art show by Latrobe artist Sarah Hunter.
Recitalist Schedule
December 7 – Chaz Bowers
December 14 – John Salveson
December 21 – Tyler Randolph
Please join us and bring your friends!
A Gift for the King November 25 – December 31
Monday, November 5, 2018
Brothers and Sisters in Christ:
At the birth of Jesus Christ, it is said the Magi came bearing gifts for the Christ child. This tradition has
contributed to the origins of our current traditions of gift-giving at Christmas time. As children, we
experienced great joy in receiving gifts on Christmas morning; as adults, we have grown to experience
even greater joy in giving!
During this Holy Season, the Session of our church is asking that you prayerfully consider giving an
additional gift to help our church meet the budget. Currently, we are projecting a shortfall for 2018 that
tops $100,000. Fortunately, we have worked to stay in our budget, but the difference has come in a
shortfall in giving. The results of such a shortfall can be avoided if we all commit together to follow the
example of the Magi (the wise men) and offer an additional, over-and-above the pledge giving during the
six weeks following Christ the King Sunday.
This is a moment of some concern for us all. Providentially, the church does possess reserves that
represent some of the legacy of historical generosity of the members who have traveled this way before
us. For this heritage we are indeed thankful. But we cannot continue to rely upon this heritage to make
up a shortfall; we must, together as a congregation, support the current ministries and programs of our
church. Our congregation has certainly been generous in many ways; we need to build on that generosity.
$100,000 is a big number. An old adage is remembered: “An elephant is best eaten in small bites!” If the
members of the church each gave an additional $165 above and beyond their pledge, as a gift to the King,
the deficit would vanish. Of course, one could consider this in a daily estimate: $4 per day over the six
weeks between Christ the King and the end of the year would yield the same result.
Won’t you consider giving an extra amount for the six weeks so that the ministry and mission of our
congregation won’t be diminished by a year-end deficit? We ask you to prayerfully consider it.
On behalf of the Session,
Session Task Force: Vance Booher, Jill Gaetano, Jim Kellam, Bill Markle, Rick Terrill, Nancy Wallace
and Martin Ankrum.
Christmas Poinsettias
For the Sanctuary!
Prepaid Orders Due: Sunday, December 2, 2018
If you wish to place one or more plants in the Sanctuary for Christmas week services, including
the Christmas Eve Festival of Lessons & Carols, please return this form to the church office with
$8 for each plant desired. You may, if you wish, place your poinsettias "In Memory Of" and/or
"In Honor Of" loved ones. Deadline for orders is Sunday, December 2, 2018.
Poinsettias may be picked up following the
11:00 p.m. Christmas Eve service.
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POINSETTIA ORDER FORM
Name __________________________________________________________________
Enclosed is $_______________________for _______________ poinsettias.
"In Memory of" _________________________________________________________
"In Honor of”___________________________________________________________
A Special Welcome to the Latest New Members’ Class!!!
The following folk joined our congregation on
Sunday, November 18, 2018:
Top: Michael Biondi – Patty Link Bottom: Alicia Sestilli & Amelia – Gary & Diane Workman
We thank God for choosing to add to our numbers brothers and sisters in the
faith! Please make sure you introduce yourself to our newest members over the coming weeks!
CHRISTMAS DAY DINNER - TUESDAY, DECEMBER 25
HELP SPREAD THE JOY OF CHRISTMAS
Celebrate Christ’s birth by helping others; this is the true Christmas spirit! We need lots of
assistance to make this occasion a special day. If you would like to help make deliveries, help
prepare food, help serve and/or help clean-up, please sign up during coffee hour or call the
church office (724.832.0150). This year we are asking for monetary contributions towards the
purchase of the foodstuffs necessary to provide a tasty and nourishing dinner for our take-out and
dine-in guests on Christmas Day. So, you may place your contribution in the offering plate on
Sunday mornings with a note on the memo line that this is a Christmas Dinner contribution. We
will still need people to bake cakes and provide apples and oranges and wrapped hard candy for
the table decorations to help create a festive atmosphere for the people who come to the church
for dinner. Please sign up at the table during coffee hour.
Contribution List
Cakes – 18; Apples and oranges - enough to decorate 10 or more tables; 7 dozen candy canes and
other wrapped hard candy; Shopping bags & boxes
Please bring your cakes to the church on Dec. 24 … all other donations need to be dropped
off by noon on Dec. 21. You can also help by signing some Christmas cards during the
coffee hour after the service. These cards will be distributed with the dinners on
Christmas.
